Airworthy and "Near Airworthy" Constellations

Airworthy and "Near" Airworthy Constellations and Super Constellations

May 2010


The purpose of this page is to give the reader a "snapshot" status of airworthy and "near" airworthy Constellations and Super Constellations. This information is constantly evolving and any updates or corrections you might have would be greatly appreciated and may be emailed to me.
Thanks...Ralph M. Pettersen


HB-RSC (N73544) – C-121C – Former “Camarillo Connie” was flown to Switzerland in April 2004 and jointly operated by the Constellation Historical Society (CHS) and Super Constellation Historical Society (SCFA) until April 2007 when it was purchased by SCFA and re-registered HB-RSC. Aircraft was an active participant in the European airshow circuit until grounded by the discovery of wing corrosion in January 2010. Repairs completed in April 2011, when the aircraft was repainted before rejoining the airshow circuit. Currently airworthy and active on the European airshow circuit. Here's a couple of videos. One from inside the aircraft and one from outside.
Additional aircraft information

VH-EAG – C-121C – Restored in Tucson, AZ by the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society from 1992 to 1995 and flown to Australia in February 1996. Aircraft currently airworthy and an active participant in the Australian airshow circuit. Here's a video that catches her in action.
Additional aircraft information

N749NL (48-612) – VC-121A – Restored by the Dutch Aviodrome at Avra Valley Airport, Tucson, AZ in 2001/2002 and flown to Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands in September 2002. Painted in 1950’s era KLM colors and Curtis Electric props replaced with Hamilton Standard props. Flown to Aviodrome in Lelystad when the #3 engine failed on July 5, 2004. Engine replaced and aircraft made airworthy in May 2009 for an anticipated flight but museum management made last minute decision to ground the aircraft. Future of aircraft in doubt after Aviodrome files for bankruptcy in December 2011. These videos beautifully capture the June 7, 2008 and November 8, 2008 four-engine start-ups of the aircraft.
Additional aircraft information

N548GF (53-548) – EC-121T – Purchased by the Yanks Air Museum from the Wayne Jones estate in December 2005. Restored at Camarillo, CA during spring 2006 in anticipation of a ferry flight to the Yanks’s facility at Chino Airport. Additional corrosion work on outer wings mandated by FAA and this was completed in May 2007. Aircraft flown to Chino Airport on January 14, 2012 for static display at the Yanks Air Museum. Here's a video of her landing at Chino on January 14th.
Additional aircraft information

N6937C – L1049H – Suffered a failure of the #2 engine during an engine run-up at Kansas City on July 20, 2005. Engine replaced and all four engines operational in July 2007. Aircraft and crew certification issues being addressed by the Airline History Museum.
Additional aircraft information

N7316C – L1649A – Purchased by Lufthansa, along with two other L1649A’s, at a bankruptcy auction in December 2007. Currently being restored at Auburn-Lewiston Airport, Maine with completion expected in 2013. Aircraft will be flown internationally at airshows upon completion of the restoration.
Additional aircraft information

N9463 (48-610) – VC-121A – “Columbine II” Stored in good condition at Avra Valley Airport near Tucson, AZ where it was flown to in May 2003. Aircraft advertised for sale in May 2005 for $3.2M.
Additional aircraft information

N422NA (48-613) – VC-121A – “Bataan” On display in good condition at the Planes of Fame Museum annex at Valle, AZ where it was flown to in early 1995. For quite a number of years the engines were run at a regular basis but it is unknown if this is still being done.
Additional aircraft information


N1206 – L749 – Stored at Salina, Kansas since 1967, this historic aircraft is being made airworthy during the summer of 2009 by owner Gordon Cole.
Additional aircraft information


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----Created 13 November 2008---Updated 16 January 2011----